Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Background Information and History

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, or PBGV for short, is a small scenthound that originated from the Vendee region of France. Although their looks may be deceiving, these adorable pups are surprisingly athletic and have a long history of hunting in rough terrain.

For many years, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was categorized with the same standard as the Grand Basset Griffon with the only difference being their size. However, by 1909, the PBGV was given their own set of standards and now remains a unique breed to this day.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Temperament & Personality

Enthusiastic, determined, and even-tempered are the main characteristics of the PBGV breed. For being apart of the hound category, these dogs are surprisingly active compared to the norm and love to get outdoors whenever the opportunity presents itself.

One of the most beloved characteristics of this breed is their friendliness towards people. Most are extremely extroverted and thrive from the company of their owners or loved ones. Because of these endearing qualities, PBGV’s serve as excellent family and therapy dogs.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Training Tips

Although not extremely independent, a PBGV can be strong-headed at times, which makes training efforts more difficult. In order to have a well-trained PBGV later on in life, make sure to begin the dog training process as early on as possible.

It is also important to socialize your dog with different people, places, and experiences so he develops proper behavior. With a little extra consistency and patience, a PBGV can be trained in no time at all. If you are an inexperienced owner and want a PBGV, try enrolling him in a puppy obedience class for extra support.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Exercise Needs

These dogs love to get outside, so a daily walk is highly recommended to keep them happy and healthy. These dogs are unlike most in the hound category and have a higher stamina compared to many of their size.

That’s why it’s imperative that they are thoroughly exercised every day and have plenty of toys to keep them entertained. Also, make sure to never let this breed off the leash while walking. These pups have a strong hunting instinct and will take off running at the first thing that catches their eye.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is between 12 to 14 years old.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed Popularity

As of right now, the PBGV is ranked as the 148th most popular breed in the United States by the AKC.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Feeding Requirements

On average, a PBGV should eat between 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality food a day, split into two equal meals. Keep in mind that this amount may vary depending on your dog’s size, age, metabolism, and activity level. For more information, consult with your veterinarian for a specific feeding plan catered to your pet. Along with his daily food intake, make sure your PBGV has a bowl of fresh water readily available at all times.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Grooming

The wiry double coat of the PBGV gives this breed their signature characteristics. To maintain optimal health, dog coat grooming is necessary. Be sure to brush this breed’s coat at least once a week to avoid matting. This will also help to mitigate any shedding and rid their coat of dead or loose hair. Bathe this breed when needed, and only use a sensitive cleanser recommended by your veterinarian.

Aside from frequent grooming, be sure to brush your pups teeth and trim his nails frequently. Lastly, be sure to check his ears, eyes, and nose for any signs of injury or infection.

Are Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Good With Kids?

The PBGV loves the companionship of children of all ages. However, as with any pet, make sure a parent supervises any interactions between a dog and child. It is also important to consider the child’s age to ensure they are old enough to understand how to properly interact with these kinds of animals.  

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Health Problems

PBGV ‘s are known to be relatively healthier, however, that does not exclude them from several health complications later on in life. Some of these health problems may include:

PBGV Pain Syndrome: This syndrome is exactly how it sounds. Some dogs between 6 to 18 months may develop this syndrome which causes pain or fevers. The pain varies in severity and usually is outgrown as the dog matures.

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common hereditary disease that affects PBGV’s. This hereditary condition occurs when the hip socket and thighbone no longer fit properly together like they should. This causes pain, lameness, and arthritis in severe cases.

Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the body cannot produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones on its own which leads to fluctuations in weight, lethargy, and other severe symptoms.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America

Rescue: PBGV Rescue